Homewood Council reviews community feedback on soccer facility and development plans

The Homewood Finance Committee convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including community feedback on proposed soccer facilities and economic incentives for infrastructure development.

The meeting began with a discussion on the community's response to the proposed relocation of soccer fields. Councilor Andy Waltman expressed concerns about the lack of support from residents regarding the soccer field plan, stating that he had not received any positive feedback. He emphasized the need to consider alternative ideas, given the growing capacity issues in Homewood as more families move into the area. Waltman urged the committee to move on from the soccer field proposal, suggesting it would not be responsible to pursue a plan that the community does not support.

The conversation then shifted to economic incentives related to infrastructure development. A committee member raised questions about the size and duration of the proposed incentives, which were described as historically large and potentially lasting up to 20 years. The committee discussed the need for a firm cap on these incentives, as uncertainty around the financial implications could hinder decision-making. It was suggested that the committee carry over the discussion to a future meeting to allow for further clarification and public input.

Public comments were invited, with several residents expressing their concerns about the vagueness of the development plans and the potential impact on the community. Mason Cook, the executive director of Homewood Soccer Club, highlighted the importance of maintaining soccer fields in their current location to serve the community effectively. Other residents voiced apprehensions about the development's implications for local traffic and infrastructure.

The committee concluded the meeting by agreeing to carry over the discussion on economic incentives until more information could be gathered. The next steps include further discussions with the city attorney and a public hearing scheduled for June, ensuring that community concerns are addressed before any decisions are made.